Audit of USAID/Liberia’s Energy Assistance Program.

Liberia was in a constant state of conflict from 1989 to 2003. The years of conflict destroyed the social, political, and economic structures and left the government unable to provide basic services (including electricity) and security to its 300 million people.

After 14 years of darkness, lights came on in Liberia’s capital city on July 26, 2006. USAID, under the Liberia Energy Assistance Program (LEAP), funded the first few months’ fuel supply for the Liberia Electricity Corporation. Other goals of the $11 million program were to (1) promote and provide solar energy at schools, clinics, and other public institutions, particularly in rural areas, and (2) provide access to modern energy services to people living in urban poor neighborhoods and rural areas.

The LEAP Project ended in 2009 but was never audited. A new $5 million project, the Liberia Energy Sector Support Program, will continue U.S. support for modern energy services. Procurement and implementing partner selection are under way.

This audit will determine whether the project supported modern energy activities and promoted and provided solar energy at schools, clinics, and other public institutions, particularly in rural areas in Liberia. The audit will also examine whether the program provided access to modern energy services to people living in poor urban neighborhoods and rural areas.